A limited-validity passport is any regular passport that is issued for less than the full validity period (10 years for those 16 and older and 5 years for children under 16). The process to apply for a full-validity passport depends on the reason the limited-validity passport was issued.
Note: If your limited-validity passport was issued for a reason not addressed below, refer to the letter included with the passport for more information.
Why is your passport limited? |
When was it issued? |
How you replace it |
Pending replacement of your naturalization certificate |
Less than two years ago |
Submit the following by mail (if in the United States or Canada) or in person at an embassy/consulate (if overseas):
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More than two years ago |
Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency:
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Selecting a new gender marker |
Less than two years ago |
Submit the following by mail:
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More than two years ago |
Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency:
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Name change |
Less than one year ago |
Submit the following by mail:
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More than one year ago |
Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency:
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Why is your passport limited? |
When was it issued? |
How you replace it |
Your limited passport was issued outside the United States in an emergency. |
Less than one year ago |
Submit the following by mail (if in the United States or Canada) or in person at an embassy/consulate (if abroad): Please Note: You will not have to pay any fees if you paid the fees when you applied for your limited passport (unless you request Expedited Service). |
More than one year ago but less than 15 years ago |
Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency (if in the United States) or in person at an embassy/consulate (if abroad):
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No, you must submit the original. We will return it to you separately from your new passport. We recommend using a trackable delivery method and secure packaging (such as a sturdy cardboard or Tyvek envelope) to submit your passport application and supporting documents.
